“Music and politics are in essence about communication. Without over-stretching the analogy I do feel a sense of rhythm is important in getting your message across.”

“The quicker we get rid of the lobby system the better for all of us. I don't think in this day and age it is tenable to have these nods and winks, and on-the-record and off-the-record briefings.”

“Gratification and happiness are becoming important measures of our quality of life.”

“The way to defeat international terrorism is through international cooperation based on international law, clear intelligence, and a measured and appropriate military response.”

“Courage is a peculiar kind of fear.”

“Good political leadership for me involves getting the big decisions right - however difficult, however controversial, however potentially divisive - and then being able to take people with you.”

“Visionary decision-making happens at the intersection of intuition and logic.”

“Even the juncture in history and the zeitgeist we live in is something we choose, setting the scene for the spiritual fodder we need to grow and achieve deeper elevation of our souls.”

“Choose your love. Love your choice.”

“We look at each other a second. " I'm tired of the rules," I say. Aibileen chuckles and looks out the window. I realise how thin this revelation must sound to her.”

“In terms of sex between same-sex partners, the objection that "the parts don't fit" doesnt make sense on even the most logical level. If the parts didn't work together, frankly, people wouldn't be ...”

“It is easy for us to criticize the prejudices of our grandfathers, from which our fathers freed themselves. It is more difficult to distance ourselves from our own beliefs so that we can dispassion...”

“Life itself is simple...it's just not easy.”

“Making peace is often a simple thing, but simple isnt the same thing as easy.”

“Everybody was sorry. Sorry was easy. Sorry was for suckers.”